UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Minority Mentor Program (MMP) at Penn State Law in University Park held its eighth annual kickoff reception on Friday, Aug. 26. With 200 people overall participating in the program, faculty and staff mentors mingled with more than 50 J.D. (juris doctor) mentees, ending the first week of classes with a strong note of support for diverse students.
Second-year students Nia Evereteze and Kevin Rodriguez offered the 1L class insight into what makes the program unique and how to make the most of having a professional mentor.
“When I think about a mentor, I imagine someone that will provide guidance and support beyond an academic or professional role. Someone who will care about my well-being as a person. And that is what I believe makes this program special. Your mentors are aware of this and all of them want to contribute to your growth,” said Evereteze.
Rodriguez told the new mentees, “Always remember you’re more than just a student; your mentors and everyone here want you to succeed in life; use your mentors as a resource and always feel free to reach out to them.”